The heart and soul of a defense is often found among the linebackers. Think Ray Lewis, Lawrence Taylor or Dick Butkus. Ball State's no different. For the Cards linebackers the Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl is bittersweet. It's the reward for a lot of hard work, but also the culmination of three college football careers.

LB's Travis Freeman, Justin Cruz and Tony Martin, all seniors, make up three of the Cards top seven tacklers this season. In fact, Freeman is the nation's active leader in career tackles, just ahead of some guy named Manti Te'o.

The Beef 'O' Brady's Bowl marks a last hurrah for the trio, but for now, its something they'd prefer not think about too much. They're worried about the task at hand and soaking up their last chance to play college football. Click the link to see more.